“Lestari is an Indonesian word meaning to conserve, continue or revitalise – a particularly fitting name for a female member of this threatened species,” Mr Marmion said.

“Born on January 9, Lestari is the first offspring for mother Pulang. Lestari and Pulang are enjoying some quiet time bonding before they go on public display.

“Lestari is the 29th Sumatran Orangutan born at Perth Zoo as part of a regional breeding program for this species which is under serious threat of extinction in the wild due to habitat loss and poaching.

“Sungai, who is now on display with his mother Sekara, was born at Perth Zoo on December 30. Sekara is also the mother of six-year-old Semeru, who last year became the world’s first zoo-born male orangutan to be released into the wild in a protected rainforest in Sumatra as part of a reintroduction program.”

The Minister said Perth Zoo worked with the Indonesian Government, the Frankfurt Zoological Society and Australian Orangutan Project on the conservation of orangutans in the wild.

“Perth Zoo provide staff expertise, advice and money raised through its Wildlife Conservation Action program to support an orangutan sanctuary and orangutan reintroduction program in a protected area in Sumatra,” he said.

“They also support local wildlife protection units, education programs and wildlife surveys.”

Members of the community can support the conservation of Sumatran Orangutans in the wild by donating to Perth Zoo’s Wildlife Conservation Action.